Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing

Rule R156-60b

Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 34952
Filed: 06/20/2011 01:37:48 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The Division and the Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Board reviewed the rule and determined a few minor changes should be made in the rule.

Summary of the rule or change:

In Subsection R156-60b-102(2), rule citation reference is updated. In Subsection R156-60b-102(4), deletes a reference to an administrative rule that is no longer needed. Subsection R156-60b-102(5) is added to define the term "practicum" and last subsection is renumbered accordingly. In Subsection R156-60b-302a(1), the proposed amendment adds the word "clinical" to emphasize the need for an acceptable degree to have a clinical emphasis. The words "or equivalent" are added to indicate the Division's precedent of accepting degrees with titles other than marriage and family therapy as long as the degree is found to be equivalent to a degree in marriage and family therapy. The word "Education" is added to reflect the correct name of the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. Subsection R156-60b-302d(4) is deleted because it only applies to applicants who submit applications before 01/01/2010 and it is no longer necessary. Subsection R156-60b-304(8) is added to allow for marriage and family therapists to count 10 extra contact hours of continuing education completed during one renewal cycle toward meeting the continuing education requirement of the subsequent renewal cycle.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Subsection 58-1-202(1)(a)
• Subsection 58-1-106(1)(a)
• Section 58-60-301

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The Division will incur minimal costs of approximately $50 to print and distribute the rule once the proposed amendments are made effective. Any costs incurred will be absorbed in the Division's current budget. Some employers of licensed marriage and family therapists, such as state agencies, pay for a portion of or all of the cost of required continuing education courses. Allowing licensed marriage and family therapists to count 10 extra contact hours of continuing education completed during one renewal cycle toward meeting the continuing education requirement of the subsequent renewal cycle may translate into a cost savings for such entities. However, the Division is not able to determine any exact amount of savings due to varying circumstances.

local governments:

The proposed amendments only apply to licensed marriage and family therapists and applicants for licensure in that classification. Some employers of licensed marriage and family therapists, such as local governments, pay for a portion of or all of the cost of required continuing education courses. Allowing licensed marriage and family therapists to count 10 extra contact hours of continuing education completed during one renewal cycle toward meeting the continuing education requirement of the subsequent renewal cycle may translate into a cost savings for such entities. However, the Division is not able to determine any exact amount of savings due to varying circumstances.

small businesses:

The proposed amendments only apply to licensed marriage and family therapists and applicants for licensure in that classification. Some employers of licensed marriage and family therapists, such as small businesses, pay for a portion of or all of the cost of required continuing education courses. Allowing licensed marriage and family therapists to count 10 extra contact hours of continuing education completed during one renewal cycle toward meeting the continuing education requirement of the subsequent renewal cycle may translate into a cost savings for such entities. However, the Division is not able to determine any exact amount of savings due to varying circumstances.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

The proposed amendments only apply to licensed marriage and family therapists and applicants for licensure in that classification. A licensed marriage and family therapist may also save money by being able to count up to 10 extra hours of continuing education completed during a renewal cycle toward the continuing education requirement of the subsequent renewal cycle. However, the Division is not able to determine any exact amount of savings due to varying circumstances.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The proposed amendments only apply to licensed marriage and family therapists and applicants for licensure in that classification. A licensed marriage and family therapist may also save money by being able to count up to 10 extra hours of continuing education completed during a renewal cycle toward the continuing education requirement of the subsequent renewal cycle. However, the Division is not able to determine any exact amount of savings due to varying circumstances.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This rule filing makes technical changes, adds clarifying language, and allows the carry-over of continuing education hours to the next renewal cycle. The only fiscal impact anticipated is a positive one for licensees and their employers.

Francine A. Giani, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Commerce
Occupational and Professional Licensing
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-2316

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Rich Oborn at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6767, by FAX at 801-530-6511, or by Internet E-mail at roborn@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

08/15/2011

Interested persons may attend a public hearing regarding this rule:

• 08/01/2011 09:00 AM, Heber Wells Bldg, 160 E 300 S, Conference Room 474 (fourth floor), Salt Lake City, UT

This rule may become effective on:

08/22/2011

Authorized by:

Mark Steinagel, Director

R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing.

R156-60b. Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule.

R156-60b-102. Definitions.

In addition to the definitions in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 60, as used in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 60, or this rule:

(1) "AAMFT" means the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

(2) "Face to face supervision" as described in Subsection R156-60b-302a(1)(b)[(vii)](ii)(G) includes both individual and group supervision.

(3) "Group supervision" means supervision between the supervisor and no more than three supervisees, unless preapproved by the Board.

(4) "Individual supervision" means supervision between the supervisor and one or two supervisees[ in accordance with standards set forth in Subsection R156-60b-302b(1)(d)].

(5) "Practicum", as used in R156-60b-302a(1)(b)(ii)(G) means a clinical program of training at an accredited school under general supervision in a setting other than a student's private practice.

([5]6) "Unprofessional conduct" as defined in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 60, is further defined, in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203(1)(e), in Section R156-60b-502.

 

R156-60b-302a. Qualifications for Licensure - Education Requirements.

(1) Pursuant to Subsection 58-60-305(1)(d), an applicant applying for licensure as a marriage and family therapist shall:

(a) produce certified transcripts evidencing completion of a clinical master's or doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education at the time the applicant obtained the education; or

(b)(i) produce certified transcripts evidencing completion of a clinical master's degree in marriage and family therapy or equivalent from a program accredited by a professional accrediting body approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation of the American Council on Education at the time the applicant obtained the education.

(ii) A program under Subsection (1)(b)(i) shall include the following:

(A) six semester hours/nine quarter hours of course work in theoretical foundations of marital and family therapy;

(B) nine semester hours/12 quarter hours of course work in assessment and treatment in marriage and family therapy, including Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM);

(C) six semester hours/nine quarter hours of course work in human development and family studies which include ethnic minority issues, and gender issues including sexuality, sexual functioning, and sexual identity;

(D) three semester hours/four quarter hours in professional ethics;

(E) three semester hours/four quarter hours in research methodology and data analysis;

(F) three semester hours/four quarter hours in electives in marriage and family therapy; and

(G) a clinical practicum of not fewer than 600 hours which includes not fewer than 100 hours of face to face supervision and not fewer than 500 direct contact hours of face to face supervised clinical practice of which not less than 250 hours shall be with couples or families who are physically present in the therapy room.

 

R156-60b-302d. Qualifications to be a Marriage and Family Therapist Training Supervisor.

Pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 58-60-307(1), to be qualified as a marriage and family therapist supervisor for training required under Subsections 58-60-305(1)(e) and (f), an individual shall:

(1) be licensed as a marriage and family therapist in good standing for not less than two years;

(2) be currently licensed as a marriage and family therapist in the state in which the training is being performed; and

(3) meet one of the following three options:

(a) be currently approved by AAMFT as a marriage and family therapist supervisor;

(b) have successfully completed a supervision course in a Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accredited marriage and family therapy (MFT) program at an accredited university; or

(c)(i) have successfully completed 20 clock hours of instruction sponsored by AAMFT or the Utah Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (UAMFT).

(ii) The instruction under Subsection (3)(c)(i) shall include the following:

(A) four hours of review of models of MFT and supervision;

(B) eight hours of MFT supervision processes and practice;

(C) four hours of research on effective outcomes and processes of supervision; and

(D) four hours of AAMFT Code of Ethics, state rules and case studies related to MFT supervision.[

(4) Subsection (3) shall not apply to hours of supervised training completed on or before December 31, 2008 for applicants who submit their applications before January 1, 2010.]

 

R156-60b-304. Continuing Education.

(1) In accordance with Section 58-60-105, there is hereby established a continuing education requirement for all individuals licensed under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 3, as a marriage and family therapist.

(2) During each two year period commencing October 1st of each even numbered year, a marriage and family therapist shall be required to complete not fewer than 40 hours of continuing education directly related to the licensee's professional practice of which:

(a) at least 15 hours must be directly related to marriage and family therapy; and

(b) at least six hours must be in ethics/law, of which at least three hours must be directly related to marriage and family therapy.

(3) The required number of hours of continuing education for an individual who first becomes licensed during the two year period shall be decreased in a pro-rata amount equal to any part of that two year period preceding the date on which that individual first became licensed.

(4) Continuing education under this section shall:

(a) be relevant to the licensee's professional practice;

(b) be prepared and presented by individuals who are qualified by education, training, and experience to provide continuing education relevant to the practice of a mental health therapist; and

(c) have a method of verification of attendance and completion.

(5) Credit for continuing education shall be recognized in accordance with the following:

(a) unlimited hours shall be recognized for continuing education completed in blocks of time of not less than one hour in formally established classroom courses, seminars, or conferences which meet the criteria listed in Subsection (4) above, and which are approved by, conducted by, or under the sponsorship of universities, colleges or professional associations, societies and organizations representing a licensed profession whose program objectives relate to the practice of mental health therapy;

(b) a maximum of 14 hours per two year period may be recognized for:

(i) teaching courses under Subsection (5)(a); or

(ii) supervision of an individual completing the experience requirement for licensure as a mental health therapist;

(c) a maximum of ten hours per two year period may be recognized for clinical readings, internet or distance learning courses directly related to practice as a mental health therapist; and

(d) a maximum of two hours per two year period may be for continuing education from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

(6) A licensee shall be responsible for maintaining competent records of completed continuing education for a period of four years.

(7) A licensee requesting a waiver of the continuing education requirement must comply with requirements as established by rule in R156-1-308d.

(8) If a licensee completes more than the required number of hours of continuing education during a two year renewal cycle specified in Subsection (2), up to ten hours of the excess over the required number may be carried over to the next two year renewal cycle. No education received prior to a license being granted may be carried forward to apply towards the continuing education required after the license is granted.

 

KEY: licensing, therapists, marriage and family therapist

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [August 16, 2010]2011

Notice of Continuation: August 31, 2009

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 58-1-106(1)(a); 58-1-202(1)(a); 58-60-301